Rashguard vs One Piece Swimsuit: What to Wear in the Surf
By Volcom® | Skate, Surf & Swimwear, Snowboarding Clothes ... | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: Comparisons
Compare rashguards and one piece swimsuits for surfing, with fit guidance, sun protection, and product facts to help you choose what to wear in the surf.
Quick answer
For most surf sessions, wear a rashguard with bikini bottoms or boardshorts. It stays put, blocks sun, and prevents rash. Choose a one piece swimsuit if you prefer a streamlined, single-layer fit and your breaks are mellow. If you want the best of both, wear a rashguard over a one piece.
Coverage and sun protection
Rashguards cover your torso and arms, so you can skip sunscreen on your back and shoulders. That matters for long sessions. One piece swimsuits leave your arms and sometimes your back exposed, so you'll need to reapply sunscreen more often. If you burn easily, a rashguard for sun protection is the smarter pick.
Fit and staying put in the surf
A one piece swimsuit that stays put depends on a snug fit and good stretch. Look for 4-way stretch and a secure waistband. Rashguards stay put because they grip your torso and don't ride up when you paddle. If you're between sizes, size down in a one piece and stay true to size in a rashguard.
Layering and versatility
Rashguard and bikini bottoms give you modular coverage. You can add boardshorts for more protection or swap to a one piece for a cleaner look. A one piece works alone for warm water and short sessions. For cold water, layer a rashguard over a one piece for extra warmth and rash prevention.
Trade-offs: rashguard vs one piece swimsuit
- Rashguard + bikini bottoms: Better sun protection and rash prevention on arms and torso. Stays put during paddling. But you have two pieces to manage and more coverage in warm water. Best for long sessions, sunny climates, and surfers who want less sunscreen.
- One piece swimsuit: Streamlined, single-layer fit with no riding up if sized right. Less coverage on arms and back, so you'll need sunscreen. Can feel restrictive if the fit is off. Best for mellow waves, short sessions, and surfers who prefer a clean silhouette.
- Rashguard over one piece: Combines the stay-put fit of a one piece with the sun and rash protection of a rashguard. Adds warmth but also bulk. Not ideal for hot, humid days. Best for cold water or sensitive skin, but consider a lighter rashguard for summer.
Product facts
- Women's Simply Solid Boardshorts: The Simply Solid 2-inch is a sleek black pull-on with a smocked waist, 4-way stretch and UPF 50+ for marathon sessions. Eco-True made with Repreve recycled fibers. Velcro back pocket with drainage. Finished with the Volcom Stone rubber patch. The smocked waist and 4-way stretch help these boardshorts stay put over bikini bottoms, and UPF 50+ adds sun protection for long surf sessions.
- Women's Saltie Stones Pants: Cozy poly-acrylic-wool blend sweater pants with bold geometric stripes. Relaxed, flare-leg silhouette meets designer flair-elastic waistband, subtle metal badge. Comfy loungewear elevated. These pants are for after-surf lounging, not for wearing in the water, so pack them for post-session comfort.
Which should you choose?
Choose a rashguard + bikini bottoms if you:
- Surf for hours and want UPF protection without reapplying sunscreen
- Get rash from your board or sand
- Want modular coverage you can adjust with boardshorts
Choose a one piece swimsuit if you:
- Prefer a single-layer, streamlined fit for short sessions
- Surf in warm water and don't mind sunscreen on arms and back
- Want a swimsuit that doubles as a bodysuit for post-surf errands
